Benz and a Backpack

As soon as they told us they were going to allow those damn Vuvuzela’s into the stadiums, we knew this World Cup would be loud and musical. Matter of fact, as soon as South Africa was designated as the host in 2005, we knew. The first African country to host the world’s greatest tournament, South Africa is infused with the spiritual rhythm characteristic of many African nations. And they know how to party, too. In all the past World Cups, the host team has waited until AFTER the tournament to have their public parade. Bafana Bafana couldn’t wait, however, and on Wednesday the streets were filled with horn-blowers and pot-bangers who danced and chanted as the South African side passed through on their party bus.

From the Official 2010 WC theme song by African native artist, K’naan, to Thursday’s WC Kick-Off Concert featuring an array of artists including Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Spanish born singer Juanes as well as popular African performers, down to the goal celebrations themselves, this World Cup has shown an inclination to song and dance. As if there was any doubt that we wouldn’t hear the great drums of Africa beating throughout the next month.

The Official Theme song of the 2010 World Cup: K’naan – Waving Flag
Somalian born artist K’naan has “a sound that fuses Bob Marley, conscious American hip hop, and brilliant protest poetry.”

Hit the skip for videos from the Kick-Off concert as well as South African attacker Siphiwe Tshabelala’s (say “sha-bay-la-la”) spectacular goal and spirited celebration in the opening game .

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, African folk singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela performs “Say Africa,” one of his many songs about the struggle for freedom, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Alicia Keys and BLK JKS perform the closing song at the concert.

The South African side celebrates Tshabelala’s opening goal of the World Cup, earlier today, with style. And what a strike!

Best of luck to all the teams, and to all you viewers! With only two games played and a number of African teams still on deck, more goals will come, certainly, followed by more synchronized dancing. (You think they practice on the training ground?)

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